North By Northeast

A week's vacation and the need to escape the 100+ degree heat...two

good reasons to head north and then back northeast in our great state of Michigan.

Glen and I are back from a few days of R & R in Petoskey, one of the prettiest places in Michigan.  Even though we have both lived here all our lives, neither of us has been.  So....why not?

First stop....the beach!

The cooler temps and lovely scenery were a dream come true.

There was a waterfall to enjoy.....

And a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.

We also made stops in Gaylord (who knew it was such a sweet town?), which boasts a fabulous Ben Franklin Crafts, super cute quilt shop, and a knit shop with the friendliest owner this side of the Mississippi!

A couple of weeks ago, we ventured out early one Saturday morning to a local county fair.
There were dogs....patiently waiting their turn in the "ring" for the 4H youth obedience trial.

 This little corgi is paying attention to his handler.

 The little sheltie seen here was a beauty.

A new baby lamb had my attention, along with....

 ....this day-old calf, and......

some baby ducks....tooooo sweet!

 Hubby was thrilled to check out this steam-powered tractor from yesteryear.

It was a nice morning.  By the way, did you know there is such a thing as a "deep fried Snickers bar?" That just sounds gross, even for a sweetaholic like me.

My needles have not been idle the last weeks.  New socks have been started.....

 ...first time I'm using Koigu yarn.  I'm loving it!

And I made some new pillowcases with a quick crochet trim.

 

From the "sad news" department: Glen's sister, Theresa, passed away early in June. She had lymphoma, but we weren't expecting to lose her.  And then in late June, my beloved Auntie Frances quietly joined my mom...they were such close buddies their whole lives.

So, I guess that explains part of my absence from here.  The other reason is, I am now working FULL time these days.  I don't know how you gals do it that have kept a full-time schedule for years.  Doesn't it put such a cramp in your crafting extracurricular schedule?

Check out my girl's blog if you haven't stopped by in a while.

That gal's got flair!!